FYI this document is no longer being updated! Please check out our website for the most up-to-date information about MAMAS <3 This is what we started with, but one month later, have grown so much.
Welcome to the Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts (MAMAS) network! In these fast moving and uncertain times, it’s important that we show up for each other and remember that we are not alone. ¡Lee en español!
Mutual aid is a powerful way to build strong connections - we all have something to offer and we all have something we need. This group is based in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, USA, and we are still building out infrastructure and our vision + agreements, but here’s what we have so far:
- Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Offerings google form:
The info you provide will be directly uploaded into a public non-editable “offerings” spreadsheet that others can view and reach out to you directly for support. If you have a need that appears on this sheet, go ahead and reach out to the person listed. If you appear on the sheet and need to be edited, email us at mutualaidmamas@gmail.com to cross out your name so that you aren’t receiving more asks.
If there is anything you need that is not found on the above offerings spreadsheet, you can add yourself to this editable list here! There is no ask that is too big and no one will ever be shamed for asking for what they need. If you’d prefer to not add your name + contact information on this public spreadsheet, you can email us at mutualaidmamas@gmail.com with your request and we can add it to the sheet for you anonymously.
- Google Groups:
We are building out google groups in which folks can self-organize around larger requests. Join up by clicking the links below and clicking “Apply for Membership”. Your membership will be approved as soon as we can!
Childcare/Petcare: Join us to think about community solutions to schools closing
Drivers: Join here if you can drive and have access to a car for deliveries
Cooks: Join if you are down to think through food preparation and distribution
Translation: Join if you are available to help translate materials or help on the hotline in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, or another language [need to request]
Money: Join if you are excited about financial redistribution
Hotline: Join if you would be interested in helping us coordinate a hotline
These groups are self-organized, please feel empowered to take on leadership in organizing. We will be triaging requests for support to these groups. Google Groups Help
Pods are hyperlocal text message groups or phone trees of you and your neighbors. Check out our map of Boston area pods! Since not everyone has access to online communication or will ever see these google docs, neighborhood pods are how we reach more people. We are asking for folks to sign up as Neighborhood Point People, where you’d take on the responsibility of reaching out to your neighbors, moderating a neighborhood group chat or phone tree (on whatsapp or another communication tool), and staying in touch with the other point people for resource sharing. If you have the capacity to take on this role, first check the map to see if your area is already covered, and then let us know by filling out the survey and we’ll set you up with a toolkit of how to get started.
**Questions? Call or text our hotline! 339-545-1315**
If you are located somewhere else that is not Medford/Somerville, check out our how to replicate the document and pass it on! Get in touch if you’d like support or brainstorming <3
Help us build:
We are looking for support: these documents were put together in a few hours by some friends and we definitely need help from more people to get this thing going on the scale that we need. Here are some roles that need to be filled:
Spreading the word - We need to spread the word about what we’re doing in concise and clear ways to ALL parts of Medford and Somerville- help us make and distribute flyers, spread the word online, and reach out to other friends.
Translations/Language Justice - Please reach out if you have capacity to translate some of our materials into Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole.
Org Org - Why reinvent the wheel? Somerville and Medford are filled with awesome organizations that already have tons of resources and skills. We want to form networks with them to maximize mutual aid! Help us reach out to existing networks and figure out how to power up together.
Budgeting - Determining financial needs and distribution based on principles of harm reduction and effectivity.
Something else! Your brilliant idea! Get in touch: mutualaidmamas@gmail.com
We got this
gif artist Rosie Phillpot